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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will postpone the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from Venezuela, corresponding to the 2023 designation, in compliance with a court order issued on March 31, 2025, by the Northern District Court of California.
As a result, the extension of TPS for migrants from the South American nation will now be in effect until April 2, 2026, or until the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) obtains a favorable ruling that allows for the termination of immigration protection.
The measure automatically extends the validity of work permits (EAD) issued under categories A12 or C19, with expiration dates of September 10, 2025, April 2, 2025, March 10, 2024, or September 9, 2022.
On its official page, USCIS announced that the SAVE platform, used by federal, state, and local agencies to verify the eligibility of immigrants for public benefits, is adhering to the notice published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2025, which confirms this extension.
Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans are waiting for a similar measure regarding the humanitarian parole.
Access to public benefits and driver's licenses
People with pending or approved TPS applications can continue to access certain public benefits and REAL ID driver's licenses by presenting documentation that proves their status.
The change comes after a federal judge in California temporarily suspended the revocation of TPS for Venezuelans in the United States, a measure initiated by the administration of President Donald Trump.
The judicial decision represents a significant relief for approximately 350,000 Venezuelan migrants who were facing the risk of deportation starting this month.
Frequently Asked Questions about Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans in the U.S.
How long will the TPS for Venezuelans in the United States be extended?
The TPS for Venezuelans in the United States will be extended until April 2, 2026. This extension is due to a court order that temporarily halted the revocation of TPS and allows beneficiaries to continue residing and working legally in the U.S. while the ongoing litigation is resolved.
What implications does the court ruling on TPS have for Venezuelan migrants?
The court decision allows approximately 350,000 Venezuelan migrants to maintain their protection against deportation. This measure is a significant relief for them, as they were facing the risk of being deported due to the revocation of TPS initiated by the administration of Donald Trump.
Who is eligible for the extended TPS for Venezuelans?
Venezuelans who have continuously resided in the U.S. until July 31, 2023, are eligible for the TPS extension. However, those who arrived after that date or who did not enter legally do not qualify for this protection and may face deportation actions.
What other benefits can Venezuelans with TPS obtain in the U.S.?
Venezuelans with TPS can access certain public benefits and obtain driver's licenses under the REAL ID law. Additionally, their work permits will be automatically extended, allowing them to continue working legally in the United States for the duration of TPS.
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